Abstract

The title of designer conveys a large number of historical, cultural, philosophical drivers and working practises that effectively range from the traditional engineer through to the individual interested in personal expression. The considerable differences originate and have evolved for a variety of reasons. The range is from capitalist necessity through to social inclusion. Today, the designer needs to have the ability to understand significant changes in technology, art and science as well as being an astute observer of human behaviour. Ultimately, the designer will need to convert ideas into objects and systems that people can understand and use. It is important to consider serendipitous design and disruptive design as it often involves risk taking and may be unpredictable in character. Disruptive design innovation can improve a design in ways that the customer or a market does not expect. The authors suggest a refreshing approach to design that is inclusive in purpose to enrich the act of designing and advocate a greater correlation between the art, sciences and design in reflecting the values, virtues and methods of working and the principles that guide the methodologies and processes which can be correlated into a coherent whole and with a clearer focus.